The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Is A Head-Turner
What's New for 2025
Updates this year are evolutionary, but worthwhile. The turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder now delivers a bump in torque — up to 295 lb-ft from last year's 273. Horsepower sits at a hearty 300 @ 2500 RPM. Transmission choices now include an 8-speed automatic with launch control alongside the classic 6-speed manual.
Both front and rear limited-slip differentials are now standard, and Toyota has given the front fascia a subtle redesign. Pricing kicks off at $47,515 and stretches to $47,990 with premium paint ($475). Beyond that, there aren't additional option boxes to tick.
Body
Standing still, the GR Corolla Premium looks like it's ready to take off. The wide stance, flared fenders, hood vent and oversized intakes send the world a message of badassery. Dual exhaust tips and 18-inch alloys complete the look. Toyota's paint treatment adds attitude, with gloss-black accents on the hood trim, mirrors, bumpers, handles and window surrounds. It's cheeky, stylish and sharp. It never got old or ordinary during its week's test - each step-in was a thrill.
Inside
Inside, you're greeted with red stitching, sport buckets and a smart layout both looks and style-wise. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system anchors the dash, with its 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa. Extras include navigation and a JBL premium audio system — clear and punchy, not always a given in this segment.
The digital cluster offers configurable views - turbo boost, torque curves, power readouts, and more. Despite the wealth of information, the cockpit isn't overwhelming. Dual-zone climate and heated seats are standard, though you don't get a proper closing center console — it's just an open spot for 'stuff.'
The Drive
Behind the wheel, with my standard shift, it was an all-wheel-drive amusement park ride. SPORT mode clings to corners and digs into pavement even when it's slick out, while the display keeps you updated on times, boosts, and vitals if that stuff is important to you. You've got four drive modes to choose from — Sport, Normal, Eco, and Custom. Flip it back into Normal around town, and the GR is surprisingly tame, happy to hum through errands without egging you on. But when you get the need for speed in Sport mode, look out, Charlie.
Fuel economy averages around 25 mpg combined, depending on your foot.
Safety Features
The GR Corolla Premium comes with Toyota's Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite which includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist and more. Advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors are also on deck.
Conclusion - the GR Corolla Premium is pure fun — sharp to drive, exciting to look at, yet docile when you need it to be. It belongs on any hot hatch short list, though it's worth sampling rivals before making the call.
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